“My goal [this season] was to play for Ajax’s reserve team, become their best player and maybe get a few matches in the first team" he told FourFourTwo .

“But then Arek Milik went to Napoli and I got the chance. Then in the first game of the season I played and scored against PAOK in a Champions League qualifier.

"From that point I was motivated. The coach gave me confidence to play in the way I’ve always done.

“It’s too big a step to go to City or United now. It’s important to keep on playing, as I don’t know what could happen in the future.

“I haven’t got a dream league. When I was young it was Barcelona [that was my favourite team], but once I got older I didn’t have one. In England, I followed Arsenal because of Thierry Henry, but it wasn’t like Arsenal was my favourite.”

Back in November scout Sebastian Arnesen confirmed City were monitoring the player's progress.

"We keep a very close eye on him and, when the time is right, we'll make a decision on whether we should act on it," he said.

"He has a huge potential. He is tall, strong, brave and quick. He has an excellent touch, can play with his back to the goal and take the right decisions.

"And he can finish anywhere in the field. He is so special, and therefore he is of course also on the radar."